Preschool Initiative To Create Many Opportunities For Baltimore ECE Teachers
According to www.whitehouse.gov, "In his State of the Union address, President Obama called on Congress to expand access to high-quality preschool to every child in America. The Preschool for All initiative will improve quality and expand access to preschool, through a partnership with all 50 states, to provide all low and moderate-income four-year-olds with high-quality preschool, while encouraging states to serve additional four-year-olds from middle-class families."
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, "Employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to grow 17 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations." Because of the increasing demand for preschool programs and childcare professions, many people are starting to consider early education programs to qualify for these employment opportunities.
Jennifer Dorsey is the owner, director, and preschool teacher at A World of Friends Learning Center in Baltimore. Dorsey offers some insight on how her education has helped her to achieve success in the Early Childhood Education field.
How does your education relate to your current role?
"I hold a bachelor's degree in elementary education/ECE, and am currently pursuing my master's in special education. My formal and informal training has allowed me to prepare for the Preschool for All Grant. I am able to offer literacy skills that will be the building blocks for all other learning. I can deliver the instruction in a multitude of ways without the restraints of a particular curriculum. I provide what is needed to meet the needs of the individual child, not what I am told to teach by a particular school system."
How has your education attributed to your success?
"Without a degree or certification in Early Childhood, I would be left behind in the dust. The field is moving at a fast pace. There are many child care providers that have great experience but no formal training. This not only affects their business, but it does not serve the children well. They are not providing quality services and preparing them for their journey. My formal training has prepared me with many skills needed to teach preschool children."
What advice can you offer others going into this field?
"Understand that the field is changing constantly. There is always something new and exciting to learn. You must be 10 steps ahead of everyone else. Never think you're done with your education or change. Being flexible is important in this field."
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a bachelor's in communication and is currently working on her master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
